A new 40-gallon water heater costs between $800 and $2,300 fully installed. The unit itself usually costs $400 to $1,000 for electric models and $500 to $1,200 for gas models. Professional installation, which requires plumbing and permits, adds $200 to $1,000+ depending on your home's setup.
The Home Depot offers traditional water heater tanks and modern tankless units, both powered by either gas or electricity. Depending on your selection, the average cost for standard tank installation is generally between $1,600 to $2,400.
Cost Of Lowes 40 Gallon Water Heater
Smith 40-gallon tank water heater from Lowe's, you'll need around $419-$889 for the unit. The price depends on whether you want an electric or gas water heater. The basic installation fee at Lowe's is around $320.
Home Depot 40-gallon gas water heaters range from $𝟓𝟏𝟗 to over $𝟐,𝟎𝟎𝟎 depending on the warranty length, venting type, and energy efficiency. Standard models ideal for 2–4 person households generally sit between $𝟓𝟓𝟎 and $𝟖𝟎𝟎.
A 40-gallon gas water heater typically lasts 8 to 12 years. However, the exact lifespan depends heavily on your local water quality, your household's daily usage, and how consistently the unit is maintained.
Professional installation costs to replace a water heater
The more hours of electrical, carpentry and plumbing work that are required for your installation (for example, installing new electric, water or gas lines or drywall), the higher your total water heater replacement cost.
The Home Depot strongly recommends that you use an experienced, licensed plumber to install your new water heater, because they will know the required codes to complete a safe and compliant installation.
The "best" water heater depends on your preferred fuel type and whether you want a traditional tank or a tankless system. Master plumbers and consumer experts consistently rank Rheem, A. O. Smith, and Bradford White as top overall brands.
Tank to Tank Installation: On average, replacing a gas or electric water tank with a similar model takes two to three hours. It takes between 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove your old water heater.
Stores like Home Depot and Lowe's often include removal when delivering a replacement unit. This is the most convenient option, especially if the old unit is still in place and connected.
Traditional tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years, while tankless models typically last 15 to 20 years. Lifespans vary greatly depending on water quality, unit design, and whether you perform regular maintenance like flushing the tank and checking the anode rod.
The most energy-efficient water heaters are Heat Pump (Hybrid) water heaters, which use electricity to move ambient heat into the water rather than generating it from scratch. For highest overall efficiency and sustainability, Solar water heaters are the ultimate leader, though they are highly climate-dependent and require a conventional backup.
Banging, clicking, rapid switching noises, or unusual pump sounds may indicate the system is struggling to maintain pressure normally. While several components can cause noise, a failing tank is a common source when it is paired with inconsistent water pressure.
Yes, Costco sells water heaters, including traditional tank and tankless models (mostly from the brand Rheem). Rather than picking one up off the shelf, you purchase the unit and schedule a home consultation through their affiliated local contractors.
There isn't a single "number 1" model, as the ideal water heater depends on your home's setup, but top-rated brands dominating the market include Rheem (best overall tank/tankless) and A.O. Smith (best for durability and commercial-grade units).
Beginning in 2023, the expanded version of 25C, now called the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022), will provide up to $2,000 in tax credits for qualified high efficiency water heaters as well as credits for electrical upgrades.
Bradford White's Hydrojet®Total Performance System helps reduce sediment to maximize the life and performance of your water heater. This is especially important if you have a lot of minerals in your water. Bradford White water heaters also feature Vitraglas® Tank Lining with Microban®.
Excessive Water Pressure: High pressure stresses your system and shortens its lifespan. A pressure-reducing valve can help. Undersized System: A unit that's too small for your household's demand works harder and wears out faster. Proper sizing during installation is critical.
A: Traditional tank water heaters usually last 8–12 years, while tankless units often last 15–20+ years. Q: Should I replace my water heater if it's over 10 years old? A: Often yes. Even if it still works, the risk of leaks and sudden failure increases significantly after 10 years.
Most manufacturers and plumbing experts recommend flushing your water heater once a year to prevent sediment and mineral buildup, which helps maintain energy efficiency and extends the lifespan of the tank.
Plumbers most highly recommend Bradford White, A.O. Smith, and Rheem. These brands are heavily favored because they are highly reliable, have readily available replacement parts, and use superior internal components compared to budget models.
If the project is as simple as replacing an old water heater with a new one, a handyman can likely do it with no trouble. However, converting a gas water heater to an electric one or putting in specific wiring and framing for the water heater will likely require the skill set of a licensed professional.